In 1986, Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger designated April as Month of the Military Child. Military bases, cities and school districts around the world will honor these young American heroes with special events just for them. As part of this month-long celebration, local communities are invited to take part in PurpleUp Day! established by your state and wear or display purple to recognize our military children.
In 2011, the University of New Hampshire 4-H started the “Purple Up! For Military Kids” initiative and is now celebrated nation-wide. Wearing the color purple is a visible way to show support and thank military youth for their courage and sacrifices.
The color purple was chosen and symbolizes all branches of the military, it is a combination of Army green, Marine Corps scarlet, and Coast Guard, Air Force, and Navy blue.
The goal of “Purple Up! For Military Kids” is for military youth to SEE the support of their schools, after school programs, youth groups, Child Development Centers, Family Child Care Homes and the entire community. This year “Purple Up! For Military Kids” will officially be celebrated on 3 April 23.
MOMC Resource Links: Military One Source (Department of Defense)
Military Child Education Coalition (Teacher Toolkit)
Army MWR (U.S. Army Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Programs)
Army National Guard (Child and Youth Program)
Kids Rank (Service-based 501c(3) organization for military children)